Why in News
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the drop test of an indigenously developed Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named Khagantak-243. The test is an important step towards improving India's indigenous precision-strike capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Khagantak-243 has been developed by JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd, a defence start-up based in Nagpur, in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- The bomb has been developed under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model, which promotes cooperation between the private sector and government defence organisations.
- It has a strike range of up to 180 km, allowing it to engage targets from a considerable distance.
- The bomb carries a 125 kg Mk-81 general-purpose blast fragmentation warhead.
- The "243" in its name refers to its configuration class.
- The successful test is seen as a step towards strengthening India's indigenous precision-strike capability and reducing dependence on imported guided munitions.
Static Facts
- A glide bomb is a precision-guided munition that does not have its own engine. After being released from an aircraft, it uses its wings or fins and guidance system to glide towards the target.
- Unlike a conventional free-fall bomb, a glide bomb can travel a much longer distance after release.
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Defence. It mainly works in defence electronics and related systems.
- The Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model encourages private companies to participate in the development and production of indigenous defence systems.
- India has also developed other indigenous glide bombs, including Gaurav, a 1,000 kg-class glide bomb developed by the DRDO.
